An essential piece of furniture for any home, bookcases are a great way to keep your family’s book collection accessible and organized while also adding a touch of décor to the room. They can even be used to display or store items other than books. But with the wide variety of shelving options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few things to consider when buying a bookcase to perfectly fit your style and needs.
Size
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a bookcase is what size shelf you need. You could buy the most beautiful bookshelf in the world, but if it doesn’t fit where you need it to fit, it’s not the right one for you. It’s important to know where you’d like to put your new bookcase so that you can choose an appropriate size for that room or wall. You’ll want to consider the height, width, and depth of the shelf. Choose a shelf according to your storage needs, taking into consideration the quantity and size of the books that you will place on the shelf.
Style
Bookcases come in a wide variety of styles. When choosing a bookcase, match its style to the style of the room where you will be putting it. If you have a traditional home, a standard bookcase is a good option. These can be found in different heights, widths, and materials. For a modern home, choose a modern style like a leaning or cube bookcase. If you’d like a bookshelf that gives its content more protection, choose a barrister bookcase with glass that shields the shelves. If you’d like even more storage options, you can purchase a bookcase with additional built-in cabinets or drawers.
Material
In addition to style, material is one of the main things to consider when buying a bookcase. Here are some of the common bookcase materials to consider:
Wood
Wooden bookcases are the most common type—and with good reason. Among the many benefits of choosing a wooden bookcase are its sturdiness and versatility. A wooden bookcase won’t break easily, and these bookcases come in a variety of different wood types, finishes, and styles that will make them a solid choice for any home.
Laminate
If you like the look of a wooden bookcase but don’t like the price tag, a laminate bookcase might be a good fit for you. Laminate is similar in appearance to and cheaper than solid wood. The tradeoff is that laminate material is less durable than solid wood and harder to repair. But if that tradeoff is worth it to you, it’s a good option to consider.
Metal
Metal bookcases are often associated with modern style. It’s easy to find a metal bookcase in a unique shape to accent your modern home. Metal can also be combined with other types of material like wood or glass to change up the style.
While choosing a bookcase might initially seem overwhelming, the process becomes much easier once you know what you’re looking for. Taking your desired size, use, style, and material into account will help you to choose the perfect new bookcase for your living space.